Zonbu: the linux-based school computer of the future?

Zonbu is an emission-free linux-based computer which looks like it could be perfect for schools. It’s local storage is a mere 4GB CompactFlash card, but it’s main storage is via Amazon S3 – meaning between 25-100GB held remotely. As schools have always-on broadband connections with increasingly large bandwidths, this is a feasible solutions for most institutions.

With a two-year service plan, the Zonbu is $99. The service plans According to the website, the Zonbu features:

Silent operation

Power consumption equivalent to around a third of a lightbulb

6 USB ports

512MB RAM

Built-in ethernet

20 applications pre-installed and continually backed-up

Automatic upgrades to the OS, applications and drivers

Automatic remote backups

A choice of storage, between 25Gb and 100GB

Access to your files from anywhere (via Amazon S3)

Free same-day replacement Zonbu if it fails within the first 3 years

A recycling programme to dispose of the Zonbu at the end of its life

Specs and more pictures are available here. I’ve asked for a review unit to be sent to me – we’ll see what happens…

I'm trying to get a unit to bring to NECC to demonstrate in our Open Source Pavilion. I'm very interested in how educators would view a student account that could travel with the student to home and through each grade level. I also see some interesting (long-term) ideas for a plug-and-play device that is actually maintained via the Internet and didn't require local tech administration.